{"id":33366,"date":"2026-05-18T09:17:24","date_gmt":"2026-05-18T13:17:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/housing\/?page_id=33366"},"modified":"2026-05-18T09:40:39","modified_gmt":"2026-05-18T13:40:39","slug":"mailroom-faqs","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/housing\/services\/mail\/mailroom-faqs\/","title":{"rendered":"Mailroom FAQs"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"qMYqUG_convSearchResultHighlightRoot\">\n<div class=\"\" data-turn-id-container=\"request-6a05e590-1de8-83ea-b130-02e7f4412f1f-0\" data-is-intersecting=\"true\">\n<div class=\"relative w-full overflow-visible\">\n<section class=\"text-token-text-primary w-full focus:outline-none has-data-writing-block:pointer-events-none [&amp;:has([data-writing-block])&gt;*]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(--scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(--thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]\" dir=\"auto\" data-turn-id=\"request-6a05e590-1de8-83ea-b130-02e7f4412f1f-0\" data-turn-id-container=\"request-6a05e590-1de8-83ea-b130-02e7f4412f1f-0\" data-testid=\"conversation-turn-22\" data-scroll-anchor=\"false\" data-turn=\"assistant\">\n<div class=\"text-base my-auto mx-auto pb-3 [--thread-content-margin:var(--thread-content-margin-xs,calc(var(--spacing)*4))] @w-sm\/main:[--thread-content-margin:var(--thread-content-margin-sm,calc(var(--spacing)*6))] @w-lg\/main:[--thread-content-margin:var(--thread-content-margin-lg,calc(var(--spacing)*16))] px-(--thread-content-margin)\">\n<div class=\"[--thread-content-max-width:40rem] @w-lg\/main:[--thread-content-max-width:48rem] mx-auto max-w-(--thread-content-max-width) flex-1 group\/turn-messages focus-visible:outline-hidden relative flex w-full min-w-0 flex-col agent-turn\">\n<div class=\"flex max-w-full flex-col gap-4 grow\">\n<div data-message-author-role=\"assistant\" data-message-id=\"c2410ca0-fea8-48ca-8141-bd605dab355f\" dir=\"auto\" data-message-model-slug=\"gpt-5-5\" class=\"min-h-8 text-message relative flex w-full flex-col items-end gap-2 text-start break-words whitespace-normal outline-none keyboard-focused:focus-ring [.text-message+&amp;]:mt-1\" data-turn-start-message=\"true\" tabindex=\"0\">\n<div class=\"flex w-full flex-col gap-1 empty:hidden\">\n<div class=\"markdown prose dark:prose-invert wrap-break-word w-full light markdown-new-styling\">\n<h2 data-section-id=\"1q60dni\" data-start=\"2904\" data-end=\"2914\">General<\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"18\" data-end=\"377\"><div class=\"bu_collapsible_container \" aria-live=\"polite\" data-customize-animation=\"false\"><h4 class=\"bu_collapsible\" aria-expanded=\"false\"tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">Carrier says my package has been delivered, but I haven't received an email from DormMail yet.<\/h4><div class=\"bu_collapsible_section\" style=\"display: none;\"><br \/>\nPackages typically take 24\u201372 hours after arriving on campus to be processed. Processing is often quicker, but may take the full 72 hours during busy periods. Please wait for the DormMail pickup email before visiting the mailroom.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"379\" data-end=\"518\">If it has been more than 72 hours, contact <a data-start=\"422\" data-end=\"437\" class=\"decorated-link cursor-pointer\" rel=\"noopener\">dormmail@bu.edu<\/a> with your tracking number, delivery confirmation, and any photos.<br \/>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"520\" data-end=\"652\"><div class=\"bu_collapsible_container \" aria-live=\"polite\" data-customize-animation=\"false\"><h4 class=\"bu_collapsible\" aria-expanded=\"false\"tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">Can a friend pick up my package?<\/h4><div class=\"bu_collapsible_section\" style=\"display: none;\"><br \/>\nYes. Forward your DormMail pickup email to them. They must bring:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"653\" data-end=\"722\">\n<li data-section-id=\"1hkj3un\" data-start=\"653\" data-end=\"701\">The pickup email showing the tracking number<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"157egpq\" data-start=\"702\" data-end=\"722\">A valid photo ID<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"724\" data-end=\"855\">It is also recommended that you email <a data-start=\"762\" data-end=\"777\" class=\"decorated-link cursor-pointer\" rel=\"noopener\">dormmail@bu.edu<\/a> in advance with the person\u2019s name so mailroom staff are aware.<br \/>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"857\" data-end=\"1034\"><div class=\"bu_collapsible_container \" aria-live=\"polite\" data-customize-animation=\"false\"><h4 class=\"bu_collapsible\" aria-expanded=\"false\"tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">Can you forward or return to sender an item for me?<\/h4><div class=\"bu_collapsible_section\" style=\"display: none;\"><br \/>\nForwarding is available for USPS packages only and must be sent to a domestic U.S. address.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"1036\" data-end=\"1149\">Returns can be completed upon request or after an item has remained in the mailroom for two weeks.<br \/>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"1151\" data-end=\"1359\"><div class=\"bu_collapsible_container \" aria-live=\"polite\" data-customize-animation=\"false\"><h4 class=\"bu_collapsible\" aria-expanded=\"false\"tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">Can I ship out an item through the mailroom?<\/h4><div class=\"bu_collapsible_section\" style=\"display: none;\"><br \/>\nNo. Mailrooms do not process outgoing shipments. Students should use nearby USPS, UPS, FedEx, or Amazon locations.<br \/>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"1361\" data-end=\"1519\"><div class=\"bu_collapsible_container \" aria-live=\"polite\" data-customize-animation=\"false\"><h4 class=\"bu_collapsible\" aria-expanded=\"false\"tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">Is there a limit to the size or weight of an item shipped to the mailroom?<\/h4><div class=\"bu_collapsible_section\" style=\"display: none;\"><br \/>\nThere is no strict size or weight limit. However:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"1520\" data-end=\"1713\">\n<li data-section-id=\"1g6rx63\" data-start=\"1520\" data-end=\"1602\">Large or bulky items should be picked up promptly due to limited storage space<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"16dye76\" data-start=\"1603\" data-end=\"1645\">Palletized deliveries are not accepted<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"11de99i\" data-start=\"1646\" data-end=\"1713\">Items may be refused if they pose a safety concern<br \/>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"1715\" data-end=\"1970\"><div class=\"bu_collapsible_container \" aria-live=\"polite\" data-customize-animation=\"false\"><h4 class=\"bu_collapsible\" aria-expanded=\"false\"tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">Does the mailroom provide carts or any way to transport items back to my residence hall?<\/h4><div class=\"bu_collapsible_section\" style=\"display: none;\"><br \/>\nMailroom carts are reserved for delivery operations. Students may borrow carts from Residence Life using their BU ID.<br \/>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"1972\" data-end=\"2194\"><div class=\"bu_collapsible_container \" aria-live=\"polite\" data-customize-animation=\"false\"><h4 class=\"bu_collapsible\" aria-expanded=\"false\"tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">I live in a direct-delivery location. Can I use the mailroom to receive my package?<\/h4><div class=\"bu_collapsible_section\" style=\"display: none;\"><br \/>\nNo. Mailrooms are only available to students assigned to that specific mailroom location.<br \/>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"2196\" data-end=\"2423\"><div class=\"bu_collapsible_container \" aria-live=\"polite\" data-customize-animation=\"false\"><h4 class=\"bu_collapsible\" aria-expanded=\"false\"tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">Can the mailroom sign for my package or accept an OTC?<\/h4><div class=\"bu_collapsible_section\" style=\"display: none;\"><br \/>\nYes. Please send the OTC information to <a data-start=\"2325\" data-end=\"2340\" class=\"decorated-link cursor-pointer\" rel=\"noopener\">dormmail@bu.edu<\/a> once you receive it so mailroom staff can prepare for the delivery.<br \/>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"2425\" data-end=\"2729\"><div class=\"bu_collapsible_container \" aria-live=\"polite\" data-customize-animation=\"false\"><h4 class=\"bu_collapsible\" aria-expanded=\"false\"tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">I received a pickup email, but the package cannot be found. What should I do?<\/h4><div class=\"bu_collapsible_section\" style=\"display: none;\"><br \/>\nEmail <a data-start=\"2543\" data-end=\"2558\" class=\"decorated-link cursor-pointer\" rel=\"noopener\">dormmail@bu.edu<\/a> with your tracking number and delivery details. Staff will investigate the issue. In many cases, the package may have been shelved in a different location.<br \/>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"2731\" data-end=\"2901\"><div class=\"bu_collapsible_container \" aria-live=\"polite\" data-customize-animation=\"false\"><h4 class=\"bu_collapsible\" aria-expanded=\"false\"tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">Can you take a picture of my package so I know what it is?<\/h4><div class=\"bu_collapsible_section\" style=\"display: none;\"><br \/>\nNo. Mailroom staff do not provide photos of packages or items.<br \/>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h2 data-section-id=\"1q60dni\" data-start=\"2904\" data-end=\"2914\">Move-In<\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"2916\" data-end=\"3073\"><div class=\"bu_collapsible_container \" aria-live=\"polite\" data-customize-animation=\"false\"><h4 class=\"bu_collapsible\" aria-expanded=\"false\"tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">How early can I ship an item to the mailroom?<\/h4><div class=\"bu_collapsible_section\" style=\"display: none;\"><br \/>\nPackages should not arrive before your scheduled move-in date.<br \/>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"3075\" data-end=\"3331\"><div class=\"bu_collapsible_container \" aria-live=\"polite\" data-customize-animation=\"false\"><h4 class=\"bu_collapsible\" aria-expanded=\"false\"tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">My package is arriving before my move-in date. What will happen to it?<\/h4><div class=\"bu_collapsible_section\" style=\"display: none;\"><br \/>\nThe package will likely be checked into the \u201cStudent Not Found\u201d section of the mailroom until your arrival information can be confirmed.<br \/>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h2 data-section-id=\"1881duz\" data-start=\"3334\" data-end=\"3360\">Intersession &amp; Move-Out<\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"3362\" data-end=\"3628\"><div class=\"bu_collapsible_container \" aria-live=\"polite\" data-customize-animation=\"false\"><h4 class=\"bu_collapsible\" aria-expanded=\"false\"tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">Mailrooms are closed for Intersession, but I would like to retrieve my package. Are staff available to assist?<\/h4><div class=\"bu_collapsible_section\" style=\"display: none;\"><br \/>\nNo. Mailrooms are closed during Intersession and staff are not available to assist with package retrieval.<br \/>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"3630\" data-end=\"3872\"><div class=\"bu_collapsible_container \" aria-live=\"polite\" data-customize-animation=\"false\"><h4 class=\"bu_collapsible\" aria-expanded=\"false\"tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">My package is arriving after the mailroom closes for Intersession. What will happen to it?<\/h4><div class=\"bu_collapsible_section\" style=\"display: none;\"><br \/>\nCarriers are informed of mailroom closures ahead of Intersession and are asked to hold deliveries during this period.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"3874\" data-end=\"4058\">If a package is left unattended on campus, mailroom staff may periodically collect and secure items. Packages will be processed once mailrooms reopen after Intersession.<br \/>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"4060\" data-end=\"4309\"><div class=\"bu_collapsible_container \" aria-live=\"polite\" data-customize-animation=\"false\"><h4 class=\"bu_collapsible\" aria-expanded=\"false\"tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">I've left campus for the semester. Can you hold my package until next semester?<\/h4><div class=\"bu_collapsible_section\" style=\"display: none;\"><br \/>\nPackages received one week before the start of Intersession will be held until one week after the beginning of Spring semester classes.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"4311\" data-end=\"4429\">Items that arrive earlier than that timeframe may be returned to sender after mailrooms reopen following Intersession.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"4431\" data-end=\"4545\" data-is-last-node=\"\" data-is-only-node=\"\">Any items remaining in the mailroom at the start of the Summer semester will be returned to sender.<br \/>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"z-0 flex min-h-[46px] justify-start\"><\/div>\n<div data-testid=\"bazaar-slot-visibility-timeout\" data-test-id=\"bazaar-slot-visibility-timeout\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"mt-3 w-full empty:hidden\">\n<div class=\"text-center\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<div class=\"contents\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"pointer-events-none -mt-px h-px translate-y-[calc(var(--scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom)-14*var(--spacing))]\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"pointer-events-none translate-y-(--scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom) R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars min-h-(--gutter-remaining-height,0px) group-data-stream-active\/scroll-root:h-[calc(var(--thread-response-height)-16*var(--spacing))]\"><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>General Move-In Intersession &amp; Move-Out<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":23740,"featured_media":0,"parent":84,"menu_order":1,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/housing\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/33366"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/housing\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/housing\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/housing\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/23740"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/housing\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=33366"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/housing\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/33366\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":33374,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/housing\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/33366\/revisions\/33374"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/housing\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/84"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/housing\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=33366"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}